Manhattan Beach, CA

TONALITY, a new exhibit by Manhattan Beach textile artist Diana Flynn, is opening on Friday at Culture Brewing Co. The opening event will take place on May 5 from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. The exhibit will be on display through May 31.

According to Flynn, TONALITY is an exploration of color and texture as a way of creating balance. Each piece, made out of painted canvas fabric strips, has a rhythmic quality - moving between wide and narrow, smooth and frayed and hard and soft.

“Creating several pieces as a collection has been an amazing opportunity to work with color in more depth," said Flynn. "As the project progressed each color fed into the next and it felt exciting to let the process unfold organically.”

The exhibit is one in a series at Culture Brewing Co., which is "committed to the idea that art, community spaces and beer can bring people together." Culture Brewing features a new artist monthly.

Flynn Drawn to Creative Community in Southern California

Though her creative instincts were apparent from a young age, Flynn's early career was spent in technology marketing. She went through several business endeavors before being drawn to the creative community in Southern California.

Her love of textiles and color became her focus as she tried her hand at block printing and tapestries, which then evolved into mix media fabric work. Her current process of tearing, painting and arranging canvas strips is a "laborious" process of intuition, destruction, contemplation, resolve, refinement and acceptance.

Flynn said that she is always pursuing balance in her work, which can often be defined by using color, spacing, pattern, texture and dimension.

She is a current member of the South Bay Artist Collective in Hermosa Beach, where she said she has found the varied perspective of other artists and art enthusiasts to be "endlessly instructive."

Culture Brewing Co. is located at 327 Manhattan Beach Blvd. The opening reception will be held from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m.

To purchase artwork, contact Diana Flynn Designs.

(Editor's note: Flynn was previously featured in Manhattan Beach News for creating a colorful display of dog poop bags at a dog park in Manhattan Beach during COVID.)

Searching for the quintessential Southern California destination? Look no further than Manhattan Beach. Popular among families and beachgoers, Manhattan Beach offers some of the best day and night activities in LA. A short drive south from LAX takes you to this quaint beach community noted for its beautiful coastline and posh hillside homes. Friendly locals say hello to visitors and LA natives alike, fostering a sense of community felt from Aviation Blvd all the way down to the pier. Whether you’re strolling along the sand, sipping an iced vanilla latte at a local cafe or window shopping at mom-and-pop boutiques, there’s no better city to spend a long afternoon enjoying everything surf, sand and sun. Let’s dive right into everything Manhattan Beach has to offer!

Commonly referred to by locals as The Strand, the Marvin Braude Bike Trail is an absolute must-see in Manhattan Beach. Running just along the shoreline, the paved trail spans north up to Pacific Palisades and south all the way down to Palos Verdes. Pack a bag for an entire day out if you plan to traverse the whole path—make stops in Venice Beach, Marina del Rey and other beach cities along the way!

In need of a little retail therapy? Let Manhattan Village act as your shrink for the day. This luxury lifestyle destination houses everything from trendsetting brands to boutique small businesses in a sunny, quintessentially SoCal, open-air atmosphere. Stop by Alo to pick up a silky soft activewear set (you’ll later break it in with a beach walk down at The Strand), and be sure to get in a little self-care! Heyday Skincare, a facial spa specializing in personalized treatments, recently opened its newest location in Manhattan Village. LED light therapy, micro-currenting and gua sha stone sessions are just a few enhancements that can be added to any facial for an all-day glow. But the self-care doesn’t stop there; there’s nothing better than a sweet treat after a facial, and luckily Sprinkles is just steps away. We’ll take a dozen!

BOA Steakhouse has been the talk of West Hollywood and Santa Monica for its innovative take on the traditional steakhouse. Now the modernized joint finally made its way to Manhattan Beach. Unlike outdated white-tablecloth steakhouses, BOA’s interior is seductively sleek. Tropical-inspired booths and candlelight sets the mood for a sultry date night with your boo. The menu is equally as alluring with dry-aged ribeye, Japanese Wagyu and truffle mac ’n’ cheese—enough said. Just make sure to dress the part with an upscale look that matches the elevated atmosphere.

Stay: Westdrift Hotel

Credit: Werner Segarra @wernersegarra

Credit: Werner Segarra @wernersegarra

Once you check in, you won’t want to check out of Westdrift Hotel. Just a mile off shore, Westdrift Hotel embodies California’s laid-back vibe with a twist of East Coast inspiration. Personalized services make for a true boutique experience, and the East Coast’s sophisticated charm floats throughout Westcliff’s interior design. It’s truly the best of both coasts. A cabana-bordered pool, executive golf course and CrossFit-style fitness center promise endless entertainment while rooms boast breathtaking views of the Manhattan Beach coastline.

Local Insight: Dance in the lobby of the onsite restaurant, Jute, every Friday with live music by up-and-coming local LA acoustic artists.

Don’t Miss: Esperanza Cocina de la Playa

One of South Bay’s latest dining destinations, Esperanza Cocina de la Playa in downtown Manhattan Beach is a stunning Sonoran-inspired restaurant. The jaw-dropping interior gives off a glamorous coastal-chic vibe, which draws inspiration from Cabo San Lucas. Stop in for the Fresh Spicy Mango Margarita and the delicious Fajitas del Mar for an elegant evening out. You’ll definitely be snapping a few Instagram photos here!

The Manhattan Beach City Council this week honored longtime resident Bettelu Beverly by adjourning its meeting in her honor.

Beverly, a longtime Manhattan Beach resident who led three generations of the Beverly family, passed away last month just a week before her 98th birthday.

"She was a true matriarch here in Manhattan Beach whose reach went well beyond the Beverly family," said Councilmember Steve Napolitano at the meeting.

Beverly was the husband of Robert "Bob" Beverly, former Manhattan Beach mayor, state assemblymember and state senator; and mother to Barbara, Bill, Bob Jr.(owner of Shellback Tavern), and Brian Beverly; and "G-Ma" to 10 grandchildren.

"She loved meeting new people and always found the good in everyone," wrote her son Bob in a tribute. "She rarely talked about herself and never talked behind people’s backs. Instead she bragged about the successes of whoever was not in the conversation, and was particularly proud of her grandchildren and their many accomplishments."

A Long and Happy Life in Manhattan Beach

Elizabeth Louise "Bettelu" Wiesel was born on April 17, 1925 in Pittsburgh, PA. She was raised in Mount Lebanon, where she attended elementary school and high school. Her father was the organist and choir director at Second Presbyterian Church of Pittsburgh.

She met Robert Graham Beverly, a former high school tennis partner of her oldest brother James, while he was in the Marine Corps at Camp Pendleton.

"There have been more than a few stories how it all happened but the last one was that they ran into each other walking down Wilshire Blvd. in West L.A. and he invited her out for a drink," according to Bob Jr. "Dad was only 20 so he had to fake a call pretending he was his own Marine Corps sergeant to vouch that he was 21."

Bettelu and Bob Sr. married in 1946. They purchased their first home in Manhattan Beach in 1951 on 31st St. in the Tree Section. In the late 1950's they moved to 27th and Alma, and in 1962 they purchased their final residence at 27th and Highland.

Bettelu was one of the Neptunian Woman's Club's longest-serving members, having joined in 1960. She also owned the former Lemon Tree gift shop at 12th and Highland Ave. along with her close friends Pat Keene, Kathy Fels and Jean Coulston.

Bob Jr. noted that over the years she worked very hard in her husband's successful political campaigns for Manhattan Beach City Council (1958), State Assembly (1966) and State Senate (1976). She also served on the Commission of the Californias, establishing working relationships between California and Baja California Mexico.

In her spare time, she played piano, created mosaics, loved travel, and collected folk art.

Last summer, she was able to fulfill a dream of many years when she returned to Pittsburgh to see and hear the organ that her father had played back in the 1920s, and to attend services at his church.

She passed away on April 11, 2023, just one week shy of her 98th birthday. She was laid to rest alongside her beloved Bob, to whom she had been married for 63 years.

Looking for a beach getaway near Lynwood, California? Look no further! We've put together a list of the top beaches within a reasonable distance from Lynwood, each with its own unique features and charm. Get ready to soak up the sun, enjoy the surf, and make memories with friends and family.

Address: 100 W Torrance Blvd, Redondo Beach, CA 90277

Highlights: Redondo Beach is a bustling coastal city known for its beautiful sandy beaches and vibrant atmosphere. It's the perfect destination for those who enjoy water sports, beach volleyball, or simply lounging under the sun.

Parking and Accessibility: You'll find several public parking lots near the beach, with ample space available for a fee. The beach is also wheelchair-accessible with ramps and paved paths for easy access.

Interesting History: Redondo Beach was once a major hub for commercial fishing and was known as the "Queen of the Beaches" during the early 20th century.

Address: 400-450 The Strand, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

Highlights: Manhattan Beach is a picturesque, upscale beach community with a laid-back vibe. The beach is known for its excellent surfing conditions, beautiful sunsets, and the iconic Manhattan Beach Pier.

Parking and Accessibility: There are metered parking spots along the streets, as well as paid public parking lots close to the beach. The beach is wheelchair-accessible, and beach wheelchairs are available for rent.

Interesting History: Manhattan Beach was named after New York City's Manhattan borough by a coin toss in 1901.

Address: 1201 The Strand, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254

Highlights: Hermosa Beach is a lively beach town, popular among locals and tourists alike. Known for its vibrant nightlife, excellent dining options, and pristine sandy beaches, it's a great spot for those looking for a bit of excitement.

Parking and Accessibility: Public parking lots are available near the beach for a fee, with some street parking also available. Hermosa Beach is wheelchair-accessible, with ramps and paved paths leading to the beach.

Interesting History: Hermosa Beach was originally part of a Spanish land grant in 1784 and later became a popular destination for silent film stars during the 1920s.

Each of these beaches offers a unique experience, from the bustling atmosphere of Redondo Beach to the laid-back charm of Manhattan Beach, and the lively nightlife at Hermosa Beach. With their close proximity to Lynwood, there's no reason not to plan a beach day (or three) at these coastal gems.

MANHATTAN BEACH, CA — A First Republic Bank branch in Manhattan Beach was among 10 in Los Angeles and Orange counties that became a JP Morgan Chase Bank overnight after regulators seized First Republic in what's being called the second-largest bank failure in U.S. history.

The change stems from a fast-paced series of events over the weekend, but local customers were being assured Monday morning that their money was safe. The bank was the 14th largest U.S. bank with 84 locations across eight states, the New York Times reported.

"JPMorgan will protect all deposits, insured and uninsured, bringing our financial strength, capabilities and capital to support First Republic's clients and the U.S. banking system," Chase officials said in a statement. "JPMorgan Chase has been a leader in financial services for more than 200 years, and we look forward to continuing to serve you and be deserving of your trust and business."

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Chase noted that all banking offices will be operating as usual, and customers can continue to manage their funds through www.FirstRepublic.com or on the bank's mobile app.

First Republic was closed by the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation, which appointed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation as receiver. The FDIC, in turn, entered into an agreement to sell the bank's assets to JPMorgan Chase.

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As a result, the First Republic Bank branches opened Monday morning as branches of JPMorgan Chase, including the branch at 601 N Sepulveda Booulevard in Manhattan Beach.

First Republic’s shareholders and debt holders will be wiped out in the deal, according to the Times.

First Republic Bank had approximately $229.1 billion in total assets and $103.9 billion in total deposits as of April 13, 2023, according to the FDIC.

First Republic Bank was based in San Francisco. It is the third and biggest U.S. bank to fail this year, following the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank in March and Signature Bank. First Citizens Bank eventually acquired Silicon Valley Bank and a subsidiary of New York Community Bank bought most of Signature Bank after they were taken into receivership by the FDIC.

First Republic Bank had 7,213 employees as of 2022 and served customers in Connecticut, Florida, Massachusetts, New York, Oregon, Wyoming in addition to California.

On Friday, shares of First Republic Bank stock closed at $3.51, down more than 97% to date. Trading of the bank's shares was halted on the New York Stock Exchange several dozen times last week because of its value was so volatile. The bank announced on April 24 it lost $100 billion worth of deposits during the first three months of the year.

Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a statement saying, "In close partnership and coordination with the FDIC, California DFPI took decisive and critical action to stabilize the situation, avert layoffs, and protect Californians. The swift action by FDIC to secure a purchaser for the bank will protect depositors, including uninsured depositors."

The failure of First Republic is second in size only to the 2008 collapse of Washington Mutual, which was also taken over by JPMorgan Chase.

President Joe Biden, speaking to reporters outside the White House Monday, sought to assure the public that bank funds are safe.

"Regulators have taken action to facilitate the sale of First Republic Bank and ensure that all depositors are protected, and the taxpayers are not on the hook," he said. ``These actions are going to make sure that the banking system is safe and sound and that includes protecting small businesses across the country who need to make payroll for workers.

``Let me be very clear, while depositors are being protected, shareholders are losing their investments, and critically, taxpayers are not on the hook, as I said earlier."

City News Service. Patch Staffer Paige Austin contributed to this report.